A look back at the 2021 Notre Dame recruiting class, the program’s biggest hits, and some of their worst misses
When it comes to recruiting, the Notre Dame football program was very up and down under former head coach Brian Kelly. The 2021 recruiting class is the perfect example of that, having some very high moments, and a few duds as well. It was viewed very positively early on, but the further you get removed, […]
When it comes to recruiting, the Notre Dame football program was very up and down under former head coach Brian Kelly. The 2021 recruiting class is the perfect example of that, having some very high moments, and a few duds as well. It was viewed very positively early on, but the further you get removed, 2021 did leave a lot to be desired.
Here are the biggest hits and misses for that class. Some of the best hits came from the recruits with the least amount of early hype, and some of those misses have led to some gaps that Marcus Freeman had to fill. The word volatile comes to mind when talking about the 2021 class as a whole.
Biggest Hits
OT Joe Alt
Considered a three-star player by some, Alt ended up being an All-American for multiple seasons, and a top-five selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Alt is now considered a franchise offensive tackle on the NFL level. He went from high school tight end to major developmental success story.
RB Audric Estime
A late addition to the 2021 recruiting class, Estime ended up being an outstanding player for Notre Dame. Estime ended his career with 1,341 yards and 18 touchdowns during his final season. He currently plays for the Denver Broncos.
TE Mitchell Evans
A high school quarterback, Evans managed to develop into a very good tight end for the Irish when healthy. Despite those injury concerns, Evans was still selected in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. The 6-5, 255-pound tight end did an admirable job following up Notre Dame legend Michael Mayer.
DT Jason Onye
This is a bit of a to be determined selection based on what I expect Onye to do in 2025, but he has certainly flashed a ton over the last two seasons. He was rated as a consensus three-star player across the board, and has managed to add around 45 to 50 pounds since arriving in South Bend. Onye is reportedly having a great offseason and expects to have a big final season.
DT Gabriel Rubio
While Rubio probably hasn't quite had the career he envisioned, he has still been a very good rotational player for the team over the last couple of years. Rubio was impressive for Notre Dame down the stretch of the season, and now he is expected to be an important starter for the team in 2025. His career is already a solid hit, but has a chance to be a no-brainer after this upcoming season.
Biggest Misses
QB Tyler Buchner
Once viewed as the future of the Fighting Irish program, Buchner now serves as a backup wide receiver and holder for the team after a brief stop with Alabama in 2023. The California native has thrown just six touchdowns against eight interceptions in his career. There is a chance that Buchner shifts back to quarterback this fall to solidify the depth in the room.
LB Prince Kollie
A fan favorite for the Fighting Irish, Kollie was an undersized linebacker whose processing never developed. Kollie is now a backup linebacker for head coach Clark Lea with the Vanderbilt program. Notre Dame has recruited the linebacker position as well as anyone, so missing on Kollie hasn't hurt much at all.
WR Deion Colzie
Don't worry, guys, this is finally the year for the Deion Colzie breakout. The only problem is that it is going to happen with the Miami (OH) RedHawks. Colzie looks like a million bucks at 6-4 and 215 pounds, but it just never materialized. The talent was always there, but the drive and competitiveness were just never there.
WR Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Early on in his Notre Dame career, Styles looked like he was going to become a stellar wide receiver for the Fighting Irish. Unfortunately, he got the yips as a sophomore in 2022 and he never recovered. Styles transferred following that season, and is now a backup cornerback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
